Cavaliers Get Key Players Back, Defeat Pacers in Game 3
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Bolstered by the return of NBA Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley and All-Star guard Darius Garland, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Indiana Pacers Friday night, 126-104. Key backup De’Andre Hunter also returned to action for the top-seeded Cavaliers, who now trail the Pacers 2-1 in the eastern Conference semifinal series.
Mobley, Garland, Hunter Return to Lineup
Mobley and Garland, both starters, were back in the lineup after missing time, providing a significant boost to Cleveland’s roster. Hunter, a valuable reserve, also rejoined the team after sitting out Game 2 with a sprained right thumb.
performance of returning Players
Mobley had an impressive stat line, finishing with 18 points on 6-13 shooting, 13 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks. Garland contributed 10 points, hitting 3 of 11 shots from the field, including 2 of 7 from three-point range, in 25 minutes of play. Hunter added eight points and five rebounds off the bench.
Coach’s Concerns
Coach Kenny Atkinson did not indicate any minute restrictions for the returning players before the game but expressed particular concern for Garland, given his recent absence.
Pacers’ Previous Victories
The Pacers had capitalized on Cleveland’s depleted roster in the previous games, securing a late victory in Game 1 and a Game 2 win fueled by Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds remaining.
What challenges do the Cavaliers still face in the series despite having their key players back, considering the Pacers currently lead 2-1?
Cavaliers Get Key Players Back, defeat Pacers in Game 3
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — bolstered by the return of NBA Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley and All-Star guard Darius Garland, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Indiana Pacers Friday night, 126-104. Key backup De’andre Hunter also returned to action for the top-seeded Cavaliers, who now trail the Pacers 2-1 in the eastern Conference semifinal series.
Mobley, Garland, Hunter Return to Lineup
Mobley and Garland, both starters, were back in the lineup after missing time, providing a important boost to cleveland’s roster. Hunter, a valuable reserve, also rejoined the team after sitting out Game 2 with a sprained right thumb.
performance of returning Players
Mobley had an impressive stat line,finishing with 18 points on 6-13 shooting,13 rebounds,four assists,three steals,and three blocks. Garland contributed 10 points, hitting 3 of 11 shots from the field, including 2 of 7 from three-point range, in 25 minutes of play. Hunter added eight points and five rebounds off the bench.
Coach’s Concerns
Coach Kenny Atkinson did not indicate any minute restrictions for the returning players before the game but expressed particular concern for Garland, given his recent absence.
Pacers’ Previous Victories
The Pacers had capitalized on Cleveland’s depleted roster in the previous games, securing a late victory in Game 1 and a Game 2 win fueled by Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds remaining.
Q&A: Cavaliers vs.Pacers – Game 3
Q: Who are the key players for the Cavaliers who returned in Game 3?
A: Evan Mobley (NBA Defensive Player of the Year), Darius Garland (All-Star guard), and De’Andre Hunter (key backup).
Q: How did the returning players perform in Game 3?
A: Mobley: 18 points,13 rebounds,4 assists,3 steals,3 blocks. Garland: 10 points. Hunter: 8 points,5 rebounds.
Q: What was the score of Game 3 and who won?
A: Cavaliers 126, Pacers 104. The Cavaliers won.
Q: What was the series score after Game 3?
A: Pacers lead the series 2-1.
Q: Why was Coach Atkinson concerned about Darius Garland?
A: Garland was returning from an injury, and the coach was likely monitoring his conditioning and minutes.
Q: What were some key moments from the Pacers’ prior wins?
A: The Pacers won Game 1 and Game 2, including a game-winning 3-pointer by Tyrese Haliburton in Game 2 with 1.1 seconds left.
Q: What can the Cavaliers do to improve in the series?
A: With key players back, they need to maintain their health and focus on their defensive strategies and offensive efficiency to potentially take the series lead.
With key players back in action, the Cavaliers look to continue their momentum and even the series. Stay tuned for game 4!
